Public input sought on Oak Street improvements

The city of Highland is looking for public input before leaders make a final decision on improvements to Oak Street.

The city plans to upgrade Oak Street from Maxim Street to Lindenthal Avenue from an oil-and-chip roadway to concrete with curbing and gutters. However, due to one narrow stretch of the street, city leaders want residents to help pick one of three design options before moving forward.

The reason for the various options is because Oak Street narrows from an unnamed creek to Papin Street.

“That section of right of way is very narrow, and we could not fit a standard subdivision street on that section of roadway,” said Highland Public Works Director Joe Gillespie.

Gillespie said city leaders looked at improving Oak Street, which is used by many as a shortcut from Broadway to the Lindenthal School Campus and Lindendale Park, as far back as 20 years ago, but never acted on it.

“For whatever reason, the project didn’t move forward,” he said.

The options for the narrow section of street vary in terms of traffic flow, parking and sidewalks.

Option No. 1 would have two-way traffic with parking on the west side of the street and no sidewalk.

Option No. 2 would also have two-way traffic, but there would be a sidewalk on the east side of the street, and no parking would be allowed.

Option No. 3 would make traffic one-way for that portion of Oak Street. There would be parking on the west side of the street and a sidewalk on the east side.

“When we get south of Papin, the right of way is typical size that will allow us parking on one side, with sidewalks, “Gillespie said.

The project would likely be done in two phases — the first being from Maxim to Papin, the second being from Papin to Lindenthal.

The city held an informational meeting on Dec. 1 to gather public opinion on the project. Those who could not make that meeting can still offer public comment in writing through Dec. 16.

Gillespie said there is not a cost estimate for the project yet, as each option would have a different price tag. Ultimately, the plan that is picked will be up to the City Council. Gillespie said his department will likely make its recommendation to the council sometime after the New Year.

Regardless of which option is chosen, the city will need to acquire right of way from three property owners, Gillespie said.

“We are making it a point not to take right of way on Oak Street, because of the small lots on the west side,” he said.

Gillespie said property that will be required is from one parcel near the creek, as well as two parcels near the intersection with Papin. The right of way at that intersection will be needed in order to align the street. Currently, that intersection is offset, a feature that has drawn frequent criticism from the public, Gillespie said.

This story was originally published December 10, 2015 at 3:20 AM with the headline "Public input sought on Oak Street improvements."